'The Bread, Butter And Jelly Cure'

PHYLIS MURRAY said, ''Publix is hiring older men as carryout boys, and while I admire their initiative, the work is degrading at their age and my heart goes out to them.''

The context of ''degrading'' as used above identifies the meaning as to debase, to lower in dignity, to bring into contempt.

No work that is honest, moral and useful lowers the dignity of anyone. The elder bagboy gets extra money, is usefully employed and keeps in contact with people (all of which probably extends his life).

Being a bagboy is not degrading and my heart goes out to those who think it is.